Destination: Transformation

I always remember getting extra excited as a child when our class would go on a field trip.  I loved our scavengers around the Chicago-land area.  Trips to the Shedd Aquarium to learn about marine life, outings to the Art Institute to view the great works of Picasso & Renoir, a Wendella boat ride down the river to drink in all of the awe-inspiring architecture of Chicago.  It was a wonderful way to get out of our normal classroom environment and be able to get up close and personal with whatever we were studying.

I am reading an amazing book right now called “Influencer – The power to Change Anything.”  It is a great read.  The authors have boiled down that to create change in behavior we need to help people alter their mental maps of cause and effect. When we find a way to help people change the way they think, they are well on their way to changing their behavior.  And the two primary questions behind the possibility of change for everyone is…

“Will it be worth it?  & “Can I do it?”

For so many years I think the tendency of the church is to try to verbally persuade or pep talk people into change.  To drag people into a room.  Plop them into a seat.  Ask them to sing out loud with a bunch of strangers.  Give money.  Listen to one person talk for 45 minutes. And then go home changed!  I have been guilty of this tactic many times.

When it comes to helping people BECOME who God created them to be I have been wondering if it actually might be more helpful for us to take people on Field Trips of Transformation. To allow them to get up close and personal with people that are answering the questions of “Will if be worth it? & Can I do it?”  I know in my own journey when I have witnessed first hand in the life of another person that Jesus has truly brought about real transformation – it gives me hope that it is possible in my life.  I am convinced that is why shows like the Biggest Loser have drawn such a following – It’s like a field trip of real change.

I absolutely love gatherings and I can hardly wait for Soul City Church to start gathering on a regular basis.  But what if when we gathered on the weekend, in homes throughout the week, as we serve our neighbors in need, as we open up our space to the community – what if all of it served as a constant Field Trip for TRANSFORMATION.  A constant story in motion – letting people get up close and personal to the reality that TRNASFORMATION IS WORTH IT AND IT IS POSSIBLE with JESUS.

So, as you think about your life and your world…

• If you could take me on a field trip of TRANSFORMATION – Where would you tell me to go?

Some Similar Thoughts...

• The Art of Becoming YOU…
• A Transformational Field Trip
• From Soil to Soul